Indore
At the time of partition (1947) the INDORE state had an area of 9519 sq miles. His Highness MAHARAJA IDHIRAJ REJESHWAR SAWI SHREE YESHWANT RADHOLKAR BAHADUR was the ruler of INDORE. MALHAR RAO was the founder of the HOLKAR dynasty starting life as an owner of 12 districts in Malwa which he received as a reward in 1728 for services rendered; he took a leading part in no fewer than fifty battles and engagements. All his offensive actions had taken place against weaker enemy forces (mostly Muslims) and the main aim was loot and plunder. The Peshwa of the Mahratta was happy to receive a major part of the loot.
During the 3rd Battle of Panipat the ruler MALHAR RAO HOLKAR had joined with his forces. The grand Mahratta army concentrated in Panipat area. The various forces, commanders under VISH VASH RAO BHAO were confident of victory against AHMAD SHAH ABDALI. According to various historians the strength of the Mahratta army under 10 Marhatta chiefs was about 200000 solders and over 200 cannons. IBRAHIM GARDI’s force of over 10000 soldiers was considered the best trained. The strength of ABDAL’s army has been mentioned as 56000 horsemen, 38000 infantry and 40 cannons. Some light cannons were mounted on camels for immediate close support.
When deployed for battle MALHAR RAO HOLKAR, JANKOJI, JISVANT RAO, ANTAJI and SHAMSHER BAHADER (an illegitimate son of BAJIRAO from a prostitute) were holding the right flank facing NAJIB KHAN, SHAH PASAND KHAN, JAHAN KHAN and SHUJAH-UD-DOULAH. Both sides fought ferociously. The sudden attack of IBRAHIM GARDI had created a wedge into the right flank of ABDALI’s army. The center of Maharatta forces also attacked with vengeance but ABDAL’s immediate local counter attacks and launching of his reserve forces of cavalry inflicted heavy casualties and forced the Mahrattas to retire and run. Instead of attacking ABDAL’s left flank and blocking the cavalry counter attack, MALHAR RAO HOLKAR retreated towards safety and left the battlefield at top speed. Confusion prevailed over the Mahratta forces. According to the historian M. STUART ELPHINSTONE (History of India, published in 1844) “all at once, as if by enchantment the whole Marhatta army turned their backs and fled at full speed leaving heaps of dead.” About 20000 Marhatta soldiers had been killed, about 50000 were captured and 50000 horses, 500 elephants, few thousand camels and 2 lac cattle were also captured. “Never was a defeat more complete” says Elphinstone, “and never was there a calamity that diffused so much consternation, grief and despondency spread over the whole Marhatta people – and all felt the destruction of the army as a death blow to their national greatness.” HOLKAR’s cowardice and incompetence to study the battle situation instantly and not launching counter offensive with the entire right wing forces is lamented and cursed by students of military history and by the Marhatta historians.
Dholpur
Had an area of 1200 sq miles. The history of the ruling family was very old. The ancestors had established themselves in the North West frontier province and founded Rudrakot (afterwards called TAXILA). The historical account of the ruling family began from the invasion of Alexander the Great. Centuries later their territory was overrun by MAHMUD GHAZNAVI. Rana Palun Singh had transferred his allegiance to the chivalrous Prithviraj Chauhan, he had accompanied PRITHVI RAJ and was killed by his side in the raid made by that Prince in 1175 in order to carry off “SANJOGTA” the princess of KANUJ. Rana Birham Pal, son of Palun Singh had joined PRITHVI RAJ in the battles of TARAWARI (TARORI –TARAIN-NARIANA-1190, 91) and escaped back to his territory when PRITHVI RAJ was defeated and killed.
To refresh the memory of our learned readers, some historical facts about the battles of TARAWARI are being mentioned below:
Prithviraj
Prithviraj Chauhan, also called Rai Pithora, was the ruler of Ajmer and Delhi by far the strongest of all the rulers of Northern India at the end of the twelfth century. He was brave, powerful, haughty and considered the flower of Rajput chivalry. His brother KHANDEY RAI (or GOBIND RAI – some historians called him Prithvi’s relative whose daughter was married to Prithvi) was the viceroy of Delhi. Prithvi’s first cousin, Jaichand, Raja of KANAUJ, had strained relations with Prithvi because their grandfather (father of their mothers) had allowed Prithvi to inherit the throne of Delhi. Also because Prithvi had abducted the beautiful daughter of Jaichand in a daring raid.
He had a formidable army consisting of infantry, archers, cavalry and a few thousand war elephants to bulldoze opponent’s infantry and cavalry. There were a few dozen rajas and raoes directly under his sway and a greater number were under his aggressive influence. All had allegiance to provide every possible help and placing their forces under Prithvi’s command as and when required.
For the extension of his kingdom Prithvi Raj recovered a few strategic towns and forts from the decaying hold of the successors of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi. Hansi, Hissar, Bhatinda and some other important towns were fortified. Strong garrisons were left for the defence of the North West frontier of the kingdom. His ambition was to capture in Phase I, the territory up to the River Sutlej and in Phase II, upto the River Indus to threaten Afghanistan. His intelligence sources had warned him about the exploits and intention of Mohammad Ghori.
Shahab-ud-Din Mohammad Ghori
During the later half of the twelfth century in Afghanistan the Ghori chiefs captured a lot of territory from the weak and incompetent heirs of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi. They strengthened their position gradually. When Ghazni, the capital, was captured they considered themselves as the rightful claimant for the possession of the Indian provinces which belonged to the successors of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, including those annexed by Prithvi Raj. In 1173 Ghiyas-ud-Din Mohammad Ghori became the ruler and left war-like exploits to his valiant younger brother Shahab-ud-Din Mohammad Ghori. The two brothers lived in harmony and Mohammad Ghori’s loyalty to his elder brother remained unblemished, although he was the Commander-in-Chief.
The First Battle of TARAWA (Tarori-Tarain-Naraina) – 1190-91
After capturing Sind, Multan, Lahore, Sialkot and some area beyond the River Sutlej, Ghori invaded the kingdom of Delhi. He captured the strong fort f Bhatinda and left a force of 1200 soldiers under Zia-ud-Din for the defence of the northern frontier. Since his army was not strong enough to continue exploits beyond Bhatinda, Ghori commenced his return journey towards Ghazni. He had intended to invade Delhi next year at the head of a large army. While he was still in the Punjab he was informed that Prithvi Raj was about to start the reconquest of Bhatinda. He decided to meet the challenge.
Ghori was unaware about the strength of the forces under the command of Prithviraj. By forced marches he reached near the village Tarawati situated close to the River Saraswati and was informed that about 150 rajas had collected under the banner of his foe Prithvi and the strength of the army had swelled to two lacs consisting of infantry and cavalry. About 3000 war elephants were also present in support of the forces. After a quick appreciation of the situation Ghori decided to resort to spoiling attack with his meager strength. He had about twenty thousand horsemen under his command.
Tarawari or Naraina was a small village near Thaneswar, the site of Kurukshetra the battlefield of Mahabharata. Tarawati was 10 miles northeast of Karnal, 14 miles southeast of Thaneswar, 30 miles from Panipat and 80 miles from Delhi. The new name of Tarawati is Azimabad after the name of Aurangzeb’s son, Azim. The River Saraswati (now a dead river) flowed near the village Tarawati.
Ghori’s forces crossed the river with speed after which he ordered his two wings to charge on the flanks of the enemy. Mohammad Ghori himself, with selected horsemen, furiously charged the center of the enemy in succession. After a few hours of heavy fighting the enemy forces overpowered the two wings by sheer weight of numbers and the remnant was driven away from the battlefield.
But the centre still stood firm. Mohammad Ghori soon found himself surrounded by the enemy, alongwith a small number of his own forces but he refused to quit the field. In this desperate situation he defended himself with courage; he charged the center and created a wedge and soon found himself face to face with Khandey Rai who was mounted on a steel protected war elephant. Ghori shattered Khandey’s teeth with the strike of his lance and he himself received a wound and would have fallen from his horse due to loss of blood but a faithful soldier sprang upon his horse and carried him away to a place of safety. Prithvi’s forces followed the fugitive but gave up the chase after surrounding the fort of Bhatinda which had a garrison of about twelve hundred men. It took Prithvi Raj thirteen months to recover the fort after having been evacuated due to lack of supplies. In the meantime Ghori returned to Ghor where he spared no pains to reshape his army for avenging the defeat.
The Decisive Battle of Tarawati – 1192-93
Mohammad Ghori recruited an army composed of Turks, Tajiks and Afghans and carried out intensive training. According to historians he never slumbered in ease or walked but in sorrow and anxiety. He was determined to wipe out the scars of defeat. He inflicted shameful punishment on the commanders who had run away from the battlefield, forcing them to walk around the city of Ghor with their horses food bags filled with barley hanging around their necks as if they were horses and donkeys. He had raised an army of 120000 horsemen bearing heavy armour. A force of 12000 chosen horsemen was directly under his command. Spare weapons and supplies were carried. Special squads were trained to deal with elephants. The route of advance of the main body was kept a secret and before the advance, parties were sent to arrange for crossing of the river enroute and collection of supplies. His intelligence sources were sending information about the preparations of Prithviraj and the strength of his army.
The intelligence of Prithvi Raj was also active in collecting information about Ghori’s preparations and strength of his army. Even the routes to be used by Ghori’s forces were known but no effort was made to intercept the advancing forces. According to historians, Prithviraj’s army consisted of 3 lac horsemen, about 50 thousand infantry soldiers and 3000 war elephants. Over 150 rajas and all the commanders had taken oath of the sacred water of the River Ganges that they would win victory over the enemy or sacrifice their lives for their religion.
By forced marches Ghori reached near the river Saraswati and Prithviraj’s army concentrated in the area of Tarawati, the old battlefield. Both sides remained quiet but Prithvi’s forces kept swelling due to the arrival of contingents from various parts of India for participating in the religious war.
For decisive action Ghori decided to cross the river with a bridgehead force at night. He achieved surprise and by dawn, a major portion of his army had managed to cross the river. Soon the entire army was deployed in battle array. He had divided his army in four divisions and kept the chosen 12000 horsemen under his personal command. According to the plan Ghori’s forces charged without delay upon the enemy forces which were not yet ready because of the surprise achieved by Ghori.
Hurriedly Prithviraj divided his vast army in many divisions and kept the war elephants in front. After inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy Ghori’s forces, according to the plan, withdrew from the front and when the Hindu forces followed them for a distance, they suddenly halted and struck on the enemy flanks like a tempest. The enemy war elephants were frightened, harassed and wounded. Fighting continued in the afternoon. In order to forestall any chance of regrouping and counter attack by the enemy, Ghori with his 12000 horsemen attacked furiously the center of the enemy. By Asar prayers the exhausted Hindu forces were completely routed. Prithvi Raj, Khanday Rai and a few dozen rajas were killed whereas many thousand were also slain during the fighting. Ghori’s forces suffered very few casualties. The captured booty was immense.
Conclusion
Shahab-ud-Din Mohammad Ghori had avenged his defeat.
His plan was bold and daringly executed with speed, determination and surprise.
He never allowed the enemy to snatch the initiative and with superior tactics shook the prodigious army of his enemy like a great building that tottered to its fall and was lost in its own ruins.
The victory was decisive as it crushed the power of the Rajputs and gave control of northern India, Ajmir, Delhi and many other towns and strong forts.
Ghori appointed Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, his slave as the Viceroy of India who after the death of his master established the slave dynasty which was the first Muslim Kingdom and the Muslims ruled India for six more centuries.
Identical historical facts were strong reason for the Two Nation theory brilliantly advocated by the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
During March 1206 on his return journey to a village DHAMYAK near SOHAWA a few miles from the Grand Trunk Road, Ghori was assassinated by some Gakhar rebels or the assassins (the followers of HASSAN BIN SABAH) when engaged in evening prayers in his royal tent.
His grave, due to confusion created by some historians, remained incognito for centuries. Some years back, after a thorough research, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistan’s atom bomb got constructed a magnificent tomb over the grave of Shahab-ud-Din Mohammad Ghori.
In view of his unblemished loyalty and all out support the ruler UDAI BHAN SINGH LOKENDRA BAHADUR was granted the rank of Honorary Colonel in the British Army. He sent over 2000 recruits for the army during the World War. The ruler had joined the Expeditionary Force in 1919 and was posted as ADC to the GOC 2nd Division. His honours and awards were as under:
LT COL HIS HIGHNESS RAIS-UD-DIN DAULA, SEPEHDARUL MULK SARMAD RAJHAI HIND MAHARAJA DHIRAJ SRI SAWAI MAHARAJA RANA SIR UDAI BHAN SINGH LOKENDRA BAHADUR, DILAR JANG JAI DEV KCSI KCVD.
Jaisalmer
The ruling family was BHATI Rajputs who had taken their name from an ancestor named BHATTI. They were renowned warriors when the tribes were located in the Punjab, but they were driven southwards and found refuge in the Indian desert. The rulers had traced their lineage back to JAISIMHA, a ruler of the BHATI clan but DEORAJ a prince of the BHATI clan during the 9th century was the founder of the JAISALMER dynasty. According to legend DEORAJ was to marry the daughter of a chief. DEORAJ’s father and 800 of his family members were surprised and massacred at the wedding but the bridegroom escaped with the help of a Brahmin. DEORAJ with the help of his remaining clan members was able to recover his property and built the stronghold of DERAWAR, later captured LAUDRAVA (located about 12 miles to the south east of JAISALMER) and made it his capital.
During the 12th century the throne of LAUDRAVA was captured by JAISAL with the help of SHAHABUDDIN GHORI. The new capital was built on a triangular rock rising more than 80 yards out of the surrounding sands, to start with it was a mud fort and named it JAISALMER after himself. AKBAR the Mughal emperor married the daughter of the ruler of JAISALMER during 1570 and bestowed honours on him.
Due to unrest and family feud GAI SINGH Bhatti, alongwith his family members migrated towards the Punjab and most of them settled down in area of JHANG and CHINIOT. The British government in appreciation of their support and loyalty gave about 4000 sq miles of land. Subsequently most of them embraced ISLAM.
During his reign of 32 years India was invaded 17 times by MAHMUD GHAZNAVI between 1000-1026 AD. It took him 19 years to carry out the invasions. He had conquered the whole of North India, most of East Indian and Rajputana territories. For each invasion the average, both ways crow flight (straight) distance comes to over 1800 miles, it means for the 17 invasions MAHMUD had covered a distance of about thirty thousand miles in 19 years. Here it will be interesting to know that for the glorious conquest of SOMNATH (his 16th invasion – 1025-26 AD); a strong part of his army had adopted the route via LAUDRAVA (JAISALMER). Therefore briefly some salient details of the conquest are being mentioned below:
The Temple
The temple of SOMNATH was situated in the province of GUJRAT near the island of DEWAL WADA, in a peninsula with water on three sides, touching the fortified isthmus, the battlements of which were manned at every point. The temple was considered by Hindus as the strongest with the most sacred god. All other idols in India held the position of attendants and deputies of SOMNATH.
Devotees from all over India paid frequent visits to the temple and believed that after death the souls appeared before SOMNATH which transposed them into other bodies according to their merits in their former state. To enhance the sanctity of the temple the priests also pretended that the flow of the tides represented the obeisance paid by the ocean to the shrine. At the time of MAHMUD’s invasion the temple was 3000 years old. It had 56 pillars of teak wood covered with lead. Its height was 13 storeys. On top of the high masts were mounted 14 gold KALAS which were seen during sunshine for miles. The floor was covered with teak wood planks with lead in between. Inside a large chamber there was an idol of solid black stone which was buried 2 yards inside the ground while 3 yards was above the ground. It was a LINGA of MAHADEV which was specially visited by newly married and childless women.
According to AL BIRUNI, Somnath was no idol but the LINGAM or the PHALLIC emblem of that deity. It was a solid black stone and thus contained no treasure. On the idol pictures of strong breasts and animals were engraved. It was covered with jewels and diamonds. The curtains hanging over the doors and numerous gold and silver idols were of brocade set with jewels of immense value. The temple was lighted by most exquisitely jeweled chandeliers.
The idol SOMNATH was washed daily with fresh water of the sacred river GANGES which was 750 (1205 KM) miles from the temple. Fresh flowers from KASHMIR (1500-2500 KM) were brought to garland the idols. For bringing fresh water and flowers from such distances, a constant flow of horse/camel riders were deputed to deliver their sacred loads at stages. Near the idol was a chain of gold to which many bells were attached; the weight of the chain was 200 maunds. According to some historians the revenue of ten thousand villages was set apart to meet the expenses of the temple. About 1000 priests, working in shifts were engaged in the worship of the idol. Among the attendants of the temple there were 300 barbers appointed to shave the heads of pilgrims. There were 300 musicians and 500 dancing girls attached to the temple. It was customary, even for kings and rajas of India to send their daughters for service in the temple. At every occurrence of an eclipse there assembled over two to three hundred thousand pilgrims who brought valuable offerings. In the payroll of the temple there were 300 servants who served meals to the pilgrims.
Preparations
MAHMUD had obtained all relevant information about the temple, strength of the enemy, terrain, likely routes of enemy reinforcements, provisions en-route, routes to be adopted by MAHMUD’s forces and expected opposition en-route. The rajas of India were also aware about the impending invasion of SOMNATH by MAHMUD. The Pundits had declared a religious war and people were inspired with religious fanaticism to save the temple and the idol at all cost. Under the banner of Raja PARAM DEV a majority of rajas had promised to dispatch their forces to SOMNATH.
Route to SOMNATH
The crow flight distance from GHAZNI to SOMNATH was over 1000 miles. MAHMUD’s forces had to cross numerous streams, the Indus River, all the Punjab rivers and over 300 miles stretch of the Rajputana desert. His army consisted of 30000 regular horsemen, and a great number of volunteers who joined from various places during the march. Each soldier had two horses and carried spare weapons. 30000 camels were carrying spare weapons, reserve ration and water, both for the troops and animals. On 10th of SHABAN 416 Hirji (during September 1025 AD) MAHMUD marched out of GHAZNI and reached MULTAN on 15 Ramazan. From MULTAN he dispatched the left flank guard via SRI KOLIAT, AJMEER, UJJAIN, MARWAR and PALANPUR. The right flank guard was dispatched to UMARKOT, NAGAR PARKAR, PATTAN and LODARWA. His main force also marched via AJMEER, MARWAR, PALANPUR, LODARWA and SOMNAT. According to some historians AJMEER was founded about 75 years after the victory of SOMNAT but at the time of MAHMUD’s invasion there would have been some population. The name of SAMBHAR has also been mentioned because it was an important place due to the SAMBHAR Lake.
The flank guards were sent to ward off enemy reinforcements and also not to allow any interference by the enemy in the advance of the main body. Short of SOMNATH the major parts of the flank guards were required to join the main body whereas strong fighting patrols were to be left behind for ambushing and delaying enemy reinforcements. Here it is worth mentioning that there were at least one hundred thousand camels and horses in the forces of MAHMUD. If 10 yards are given to each camel then the length of the convoy of 30000 camels of administrative setup would be 70 miles.
Battles En-route
LODARWA AND CHOHITAN were easily captured. From MULTAN it took one month to reach PATTAN (ANHALWARA or NEHERWALA), but its Raja BHIMDEV had hastily fled and taken refuge in a fort at KANTHKOT. At PATTAN replenishment of supplies and water was carried out. Here also a part of MAHMUD’s force had joined the main body. There in a temple was seen an idol suspended in the air without any support from any direction. This was a trick to befool innocent people who believed in the sanctity of the idol. MAHMUD discovered that it was due to attraction of lumps of magnets hidden in the four walls which pulled the metallic idol with equal forces thus allowing the idol to ‘float’ in the air. The walls were demolished and the idol fell on the ground with a thud.
At MANDHAR (or MUDHERA) an enemy force of about 20000 under some rajas decided to block the advance of MAHMUD but was defeated in a few hours. The left flank guard had engaged enemy forces at various places and its vanguard had even advanced up to KHANDWA (1200 miles from GHAZANI). DEVEL WADA was captured without fighting because the Hindus of the area believed that the SOMNATH god would soon destroy the Muslims as such there was no need to fight.
Battle of SOMNATH
MAHMUD reached SOMNATH on a Thursday. From the west three sides of the town were protected by the sea. Defending the town and the temple was a large Hindu force while the town was encircled by high walls. A deep ditch filled with water surrounded the walls. Outside the town a large Hindu force was ready to attack the Muslims. The Hindu forces in total were larger, their morale was high because they were intoxicated with religious fanaticism and they had unflinching faith in the god of SOMNATH who would inflict a horrid punishment on the Muslims and destroy them.
MAHMUD dispatched a strong force to engage the enemy force camped outside the fort but surrounded the fort of SOMNATH to forestall any contact between the two. The Hindu soldiers and the people of the town stood near the high walls and jeered at the approaching Muslim soldiers; they proclaimed to MAHMUD that their SOMNATH had drawn the Muslim thither to blast them in a moment to avenge the destruction of the gods of India. Little moved by these menaces MAHMUD brought forward his ace archers who took a heavy toll of the Hindu soldiers. But the defenders hurled down stones, boiling oil and water on the Muslim soldiers trying to assault the high walls. The battlements were cleared in a short time by the archers. The Hindus were dispirited, musicians, dancing girls and priests prostrating themselves in tears before the idol and praying for assistance and mercy. The Muslim soldiers brought ladders and mounted the walls shouting ALLAH O AKBAR. The Hindus in return shouted their war cry of HAR MAHADEV and urged by despair made so spirited a resistance that the Muslim soldiers, unable to retain their footing and wearied with fatigue, fell back.
The next morning a strong Hindu force arrived to reinforce the garrison. MAHMUD left a force to keep the garrison in check and himself engaged the enemy concentrated outside the fort. The battle was furious but suddenly two Hindu rajas joined with their reinforcements and inspired them with fresh courage. MAHMUD perceiving his troops to waver, leaped from his horse, prostrating himself before GOD implored His divine help. Riding once again he himself led his forces on the enemy. His troops charged with such fury that they broke through the enemy’s deployment and laid 5000 dead on the ground. The rout became general and the enemy soldiers ran away in panic. The garrison of SOMNATH watched the defeat and in fear and distress abandoned the defence of the fort and a majority of them ran out from a gate towards the sea and embarked in boats for safety. But MAHMUD’s troops pursued the enemy, sunk many boats and accepted surrender of those who had failed to escape.
Destruction of the Idol of SOMNATH
Having placed guards at the gates MAHMUD entered the temple of SOMNATH with his sons and selected nobles. He was struck with grandeur of the edifice, the lofty roof which was supported by 56 pillars curiously carved and richly ornamented with precious stones. The temple was illuminated by a large sized lamp which hung down in the centre from a golden chain. Facing the entrance was the SOMNATH, the greatest deity of the Hindus. When MAHMUD lifted his battle axe, the priests fell on his feet and weeping they pleaded with him to spare the idol on accept all the wealth they had in the temple. MAHMUD rejected their offer and said, “I desire that on the day of resurrection I should be summoned with words ‘where is that MAHMUD who broke the greatest of the heathen’s idols, rather than by these words ‘where is that MAHMUD who sold the greatest of the idols to the infidels for gold.” With much anger he struck it with his battle axe with such force that the idol broke into pieces. The pieces were taken to GHAZANI and were thrown at the threshold of the Jami Masjid. Some pieces were sent to MECCA and MEDINA and were cast down at the entrance of the gates.
Return Journey
There is no doubt that MAHMUD collected immense wealth as booty from SOMNATH. His valour, power and grandeur had struck such terror in the hearts of the Hindus that they considered him invincible. Thus victorious MAHMUD returned to ANHALWARA but his return journey was also very adventurous. He had decided to chastise Raja BHIMDEV of AHHALWARA (NEHERWALA) who had assisted the garrison during the siege of SOMNATH and inflicted some casualties on the Muslim troops. The raja had shut himself up in the fort of GUNDABA (GUNDAVEE). Hindu ambush parties tried to slow down the advance of the Muslim troops but were severely mauled. After having reached the fort it was bound to be surrounded on all sides by sea water, which on account of its extent and depth appeared impossible to cross. However, due to low tide it was fordable though not easily for a large force. The strength of MAHMUD’s horses, camels and cattle was over two hundred thousand. MAHMUD ordered public prayers and having cast his fortune by consulting the QURAN, entered the water at the head of his troops and reached safely on the other side. The fort was assaulted but the raja fled at the approach of the Muslim soldiers. The fort was captured.
For the return journey MAHMUD adopted a different route because a strong Hindu army of some rajas was reported waiting to block the route had had adopted for sacking SOMNATH. He decided to cross the desert via KANDHA-NAGARPARKAR-CHOHITAN-UMAR KOT and MANSURE. Two Hindu guides had volunteered to lead his army via a known route where plenty of sweet water was available. But the troops were misled by the guides and for three days wandered without relief through the worst part of the desert. Due to marching on the burning sand under the scorching sun their thirst became unbearable. MAHMUD suspected treachery and ordered the guides to be tortured who confessed that they were priests in disguise and had decided to avenge the disgrace of SOMNATH. Whenever in distress, as a devotee of HARAT ABU AL HASSAN KHAN QANI, MAHMUD used to put on the DERWISH gown that was presented to him by the saint and prayed to God for help. After the execution of the guides MAHMUD fell prostrate before GOD imploring for speedy deliverance. Suddenly some ducks and water fowls were seen flying (some historians have mentioned that a meteor was seen in the north) and in the same direction the troops were ordered to march and before morning found themselves on the bank of a lake.
Recovery of the doors of the temple SOMNATH during 1842
For the interest of our learned readers the following passage is reproduced below from the book “Return of a King” by William Dalrymple, pages 444-445:
“Through his reading of James Mill’s History of India – a book which Mill famously wrote without ever bothering to visit India, knowing any Indians or learning any Indian language – ELLENBOROUGH (Governor General of India) had absorbed the entirely false idea that the doors of the tomb of MAHMUD of GHAZNI (998-1030) were the legendary sandalwood gates that the Sultan had allegedly stolen while looting the great Hindu temple of SOMNATH in Gujrat. In reality the gates were of a piece with the tomb itself – Seljuk work of the eleventh century – as Rowlinson (Sir Henry, with Nott’s forces at GHAZNI, political assistant in KANDAHAR) could immediately be seen from the Arabic inscription on the woodwork which were contained in notably Islamic-looking six-pointed stars and surrounded by intricate arabesques. It made no difference – ELLENBOROUGH had asked for the gate and the gate he would get.
A proclamation was duly issued by Ellenborough addressed to the chiefs and princes of northern and western India in which the Governor General spoke of how an insult of 800 years was finally avenged and centuries of Indian subjugation to Afghans in pre-colonial times had been reversed; thanks to the British, the gates that were once a memorial of Hindu humiliation had become instead a record of Indian superiority in arms over the nations beyond the Indus. The gates were duly paraded around India accompanied by an imposing escort where they were ceremoniously displayed to bewildered bystanders in an attempt to impress upon the people of India the undiminished power and benevolence of British rule. There was, however, no reaction from the Indian princes and still less from the Hindus, neither of whom had been aware that they were missing any gates. As Rawlinson observed while supervising the removal of the beautiful Seljuk woodwork, the gates would hardly be restored because they were not from SOMNATH; the temple had been in ruins for a thousand years and the Hindus were anyway totally indifferent to the whole farce.
Nor were the Afghans particularly upset to see the gates go. According to Rawlinson the custodian of the shrine merely shrugged his shoulders and said: “Of what use can these old timber be to you?”
Ratlam
It was founded in 1652 by RATAN SINGH, a great grandson of UDAI SINGH the first Raja of MARWAR (JODHPUR). When still a youth, RATAN SINGH had a gallant adventure with a mad elephant that had broken loose and was killing people in the thronged streets of Delhi. He happened to have only a dagger in his hand when he encountered the ferocious beast and killed him. This gallant deed was done in front of the Palace while Emperor Shah Jahan was looking from a balcony. The undoubted courage of RATAN SINGH combined with the dignity of his clan RATHORE and the conspicuous services he had rendered (1637-47) against the Persians, led SHAH JAHAN to decide upon the young Rajput nobleman as the head of the RATLAM state. The title of Maharaja and the royal insigns of Mahi Maratib (insignia of fish) were also conferred on him by the Emperor.
Of all those ruling princes that went to the war during the First Great War, His Highness of RATLAM remained by far the longest in active service. His services and contribution of cash and supplies were highly appreciated by the British government.
Ramnad
The ruler was known as SRIMAT HIRANYA GARBAYAJI RAVIKULA MUTHUVIJAID RAGHUNATHA RAJAH R. SHANMUGA RAJESWARA NAGANATHA SETHUPATHY RAJAH OF RAMNAD. The State consisted to 5000 sq miles comprising 2000 villages. There is a curious story mentioned in history that during the period of CLIVE, when he was a senior British officer serving in MADRAS, the Nawab of CARNATIC (Mohammad Ali) had rewarded the remarkable feat of RANI MANGALESWARI NACHIAR. She had crossed the flooded river CHAUVERY to establish contact and her equally remarkable feat in diplomacy in enlisting the sympathies of Mohammad Ali and of CLIVE, and securing the Zemindari to her heirs. She was bestowed with the award of ISTIMIRAR (dependable constant ally) – this is a Persian word.
Sandur
The area is about 164 sq miles. The ruling family traced its origin to the famous BHOSLES of SATARA from whom the famous Mahratta Chief SHIVAJI was descended. Its representatives earned special distinction as Senapathies under SHIVAJI. It is known as the GHORPADE family through an ancestor having scaled an almost impregnable fort in the KOKAN – according to tradition ‘by holding on to the tail of an iguana (called in Marathi as GHORPAD) which was crawling up the side’. The figure of the iguana had since become the badge of the ruling family.
Jaora
Had an area of 601 sq miles. Lieut Col His Highness FAKHR UD-DAULAH Nawab Mohammad Iftikhar Ali Khan Sahib Bahadur KCIE was the ruler of the State. The State was situated in the Malwa section of Central India. The language used officially was URDU. There were 350 villages in the State. Bearers of the ruling JAORA family were Afghans from SWAT and belonged to TAJIK KHEL. About 1719 Abdul Ghafur Khan’s grandfather Abdul Majid Khan came to India to seek his fortune and after long years of service settled down in ROHILKHAND with his sons Abdul Hamid Khan and Abdul Rashid Khan. Abdul Ghafur Khan, the youngest son married the daughter of Akhund Mohammad Ayaz Khan who held a high post in Jaipur. Another daughter of Ayaz Khan was married in the family of Emperor Bahadur Shah and thus Nawab Ghafur Khan was connected with the last of the Mughal Emperors.
Abdul Ghafur Khan spent most of his time between Delhi and Jaipur. When the chiefs of Jaipur and Jodhpur fell out in connection with the hand of an Udaipur Princess, Ayaz Khan helped Amir Khan, the founder of the Touk State, in reconciling the two princes. Subsequently Ayaz Khan married the daughter of Amir Khan and afterwards became his representative at the Court of Holkar – Indore. Soon he became the feudatory of the British government and in return of his all out support and loyalty he was awarded the title of Nawab of JAORA State.
Junagadh
Was a first class State under the western Indian States Agency. It was bounded on the south and west by the Arabian Sea. It had 866 villages inclusive of MONGROL and its swing villages. The State commanded a sea coast of about 84 miles. It had 16 ports of which the principal were Veravel and Mongrel. Mount Girnar and the highest peak GORAKHNATH rose to 3666 feet. The area of the state was 3336 sq miles and the total population was about 5 lacs, but majority were Hindus (nearly four lacs) and one lac were Muslims. The famous ASHOKA inscription of the Buddhist time carved on a big bolster of black granite had been house on a hill. To the south east of the GIRNAR hill was the extensive forest of 494 sq miles and over 825 acres. The principal products of the State were cotton, bajra, juwar, sesamum, wheat, rice, sugarcane, cereals, grass, timber, stone, fish, coconuts, bamboos, etc.
The State paid a tribute of Rs. 28394 yearly to the Paramount Power and Peshkashi of Rs. 37210 to His Highness the GAEKWAR, the State of JUNAGADH received a tribute styled ZORTALBI amounting to Rs. 92421 – 8 – 0 from 134 TALUKAS in KATHIAWAR.
During the reign of emperor AKBAR the State became a dependency of Delhi. The rulers of the BABI dynasty linked their fortune with that of the Mughals when Emperor HUMAYUN re-conquered India. In the reign of SHAH JAHAN, BAHADUR KHAN BABI rose to a great position of influence. SHER KHAN BABI expelled the Mughal Governor and established his own rule at JUNAGADH with the title of NAWAB BAHADUR KHAN in 1735; as the rulers of the premier State in Kathiawar enjoyed plenary powers and enjoyed a personal salute of 15 guns.
During the first Great War the resources of the State were placed at the disposal of the British Government. Soon after the independence in August 1947 the State acceded to Pakistan but India invaded it with troops and occupied it.
Bikaner
The Rathor clan of Rajputs has always been a race of warriors. The ancestors of the ruler had conquered and maintained, sometimes against overwhelming odds, the territory known as BIKANER. The State had really ranked foremost in the services of the Empire. Maharaja Sirdar Singh (1857) had sheltered the British in the Mutiny (war of Independence) and cooperated against the rebels (freedom fighters) in Hansi and Hissar. The ruler helped the British forces in the Afghan War and the Sikh campaigns. The State Camel Corps had served with distinction in China and the First Great War; the ruler had placed the State resources at the disposal of King Emperor.
The capital public park afforded much needed place of resort and recreation to the people at large, it contained a beautiful Kirti Stambh (Tower) some 60 feet high, which was to serve as a monument to the martial glory of the previous Maharajahs who had distinguished themselves in the various campaigns of the Mughal emperors. In 1584 Akbar the Great had married a princess from BIKANER.
The Bikaner Canal which was opened during 1927 is the greatest tribute to the ruler of the State. Enormous amount, even beyond the resources of the State were spent on the eighty mile long canal fed at Hussaine Wala (Ferozepur) head works. For miles it was lined to stop seepage of water through sandy banks. Also which passing through desert area it had a roof to ward off shifting sand dunes into the canal. The construction of the canal had taken 29 years and it irrigated a vast area of the State which brought prosperity and raised green belts.
Udaipur
There is no place in India which appealed more to the imagination of poets, travelers and writer than UDAIPUR – a lovely lakeside capital of MEWAR – by reason of its romance and beauty of its thrilling history of acts of valour. It was founded in the 7th century.
The Fort of CHITTOR tells silently many grim and glorious deeds of heroic self sacrifice by the Rajput women also. The history of MEWAR (UDAIPUR) is the first and foremost history of a long struggle with the Muslim conquerors to whom they offered courageous resistance that was excelled by no other race. For several hundred years from the eleventh century commencing from ALD-UD-DIN to the eighteenth century ending with AURANGZEB struggles continued for the defence of their homeland. The rulers considered themselves as the legitimate heirs to the throne of RAMA.
ALA-UD-DIN had attacked CHITTOR but was successful in capturing the beautiful PADMINI, the Rani of CHITTOR. The legend of Rani PADMINI involving ALA-UD-DIN has proved to be fiction. According to historians DEVAL RANI was the daughter of RAI KARAN of GUJRAT from his ex-wife KAMLA who had been forced into ALA-UD-DIN’s harem; DEVAL RANI was captured because KAMLA’s motherly instinct had requested ALA-UD-DIN to obtain her beautiful unmarried daughter. KHIZR KHAN, the heir apparent on seeing DEVAL RANI fell in love and their romance is a historical fact but it ended in tragedy (History of the KHALJIS – Kishori Saran Lal).
The Battle of KANAWHA
RANA SANGA was a veteran of many battles and as a general he had earned respect from his enemies. He had lost one eye, an arm and was a cripple owing to a limb being broken with a cannon ball. He was the most powerful RAJPUT ruler of HINDUSTAN and had the support of Raja HASSAN KHAN MEWATI, NIZAM KHAN OF DHOLPUR, the ruler of ATAWA, SARANG of GWALIOR, BANDI, AMBER, RAMPURA, GAR GROAN, RAESEN, KAPEK and some other chiefs provided all out support to RANA SANGA.
The battle of KANWAHA was fought between RANA SANGA and BABAR on 18th March 1527.
| Relative Strength | |
| BABAR | 40000 (mostly horsemen) 1000 carts Few hundred matchlocks 30 heavy cannons Few hundred light cannons 52 pounds heavy solid balls, range ½ miles 5 ¼ pounds light solid balls, range one mile A number of catapults to frighten war elephants |
| RANA SANGA | 80000 (mostly horsemen 120000 (horsemen and infantry) belonging to various rulers and chiefs of supporting States A number of light cannons RANA SANGA’s army on the battlefield was about five times stronger. |
BABAR who loved in an enemy the qualities he himself possessed, paid RANA SANGA a just tribute of respect who had achieved eminence by his valour and generalship.
In view of the overwhelming strength of the enemy BABAR’s army was cheerless. The morale was low but BABAR had full confidence in his generalship qualities. But to boost up the morale of his troops, BABAR made his memorable renunciation of wine, broke all the drinking cups and jars and drained out the entire wine on the ground. His armies and men also followed suit. He also allowed his beard to grow. All the amirs, commanders and soldiers placed their hands on the Holy QURAN and took the oath to fight the enemy and to not hesitate to lay down their lives.
RANA SANGA commenced the attack by a desperate charge made by the Rajputs on BABAR’s right. Reserve was pushed on to help. BABAR’s artillery and matchlocks opened fire on the attackers but the enemy pushed more troops to create a wedge, however BABAR sent more troops to block the enemy advance. BABAR’s guns were effectively pounding, elephants and enemy horses were pushed back in fright. The Rajputs were not appalled, they made repeated attacks on BABAR’s centre in hopes of recovering the day but were received bravely and steadily and swept away in great numbers. Towards the evening the confusion was complete and the slaughter was consequently dreadful. The Rajputs retreated in panic leaving heaps of dead, thousands of prisoners, immense booty consisting of horses, elephants, equipment, supplies and weapons.
By this victory BABAR had crushed the menace of the Rajputs and forced the rebel Muslim chiefs to accept his supremacy.
During 1567 Rana UDAI SINGH, the ruler of MEWAR has the posthumous child of RANA SANGA. According to historians UDAI SINGH did not have the guts to face AKBAR who had advanced with his forces and surrounded CHITOR. The RANA retired and took refuge in the mountains. The siege continued for many months but it was captured and about 8000 Rajput warriors perished, their women and children had also performed JAUHAR ceremony.
Col Tod, the famous historian of Rajasthan has instanced the lofty character of UMRA (the ruler), whose severity of endurance increased with the courteous condescension of the Moghul conqueror; in bitterness of his heart he cursed the magnanimity of KHOORAM (prince on of Emperor Jehangir), who himself was of Rajput blood (his mother was a Rajput princess) and an admirer of Rajput valour. KHOORAM demanded only the friendship of the Rajput as the price of peace and offered to withdraw every Mohammedan from Mewar if the Rana would but receive the Emperor’s FIRMAN outside of his capital. This his proud soul rejected.
Eventually the ruler accepted the supremacy of the British. His aim was to maintain the ‘untarnished honour’ to the last and remain steadfast in his loyalty to the King Emperor. He gave ample contribution to the war which was acknowledged by the Prince of Wales. The ruler had also saved the lives of English ladies during the Great Mutiny. He was loaded with honours and awards for his service. His salute was raised from 19 to 21 guns as personal distinction. His titles were, ‘His Highness Hindu-Surag Maharaja Dhiraj Maharaja Shree Sir Fateh Singh Bahadur, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, ruler of UDAIPUR.
Sangli
It had occupied a large portion of the southern Maratha country. It formed part of one of the historical possessions of the Patwardhans, a family which by the close of the 18th century had established for itself the reputation of being, in the words of the famous Duke of Wellington, “the staunch allies and ancient friends of the British Government in the Maratha Empire.” The rulers had been fighting against the Nizam of Hyderabad and Hyder Ali of Mysore. One ruler, Chintaman Rao Appa Saheb was blessed with the longest reign of 69 years from 1782 to 1851. The State’s forces had taken the field under the command of his uncle, the celebrated BHAO who was one of the greatest Marhatta generals. BHAO was finally defeated and killed in the 3rd Battle of Panipat.
During 1799 (after the downfall of TIPU) the State forces under Maj Gen Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) took part in action against a daring adventurer named DHONDIS WAGH. During the Great Mutiny (the war of independence) in 1857 the ruler rendered substantial services to the British Government, and was duly rewarded.
The State had a total area 1136 sq miles with a population of about 230000.
Pithadia – Jetpur
The ruler was a chief of the fourth class of KATHIAWAR and belonged to the JAITANI branch of the JETPUR clan of the Vala Kathis. On entering the peninsula several centuries back secured DEVLIA MOHOTA. They then conquered CHITAL and JETPUR. They were the first Kathis to give up brigandage and other predatory habits. They were partners of the most notorious bandit Amreli, when they fell out these Kathis carried off his property. Amreli gave up brigandage and all its ways. Those Kathis joined some rulers of Rajput States and offered their all out support and they were amply rewarded.
During 1760 they acquired the important district of JETPUR. Gradually they became respectable citizens and their districts were so well governed and flourishing that Col Walker gave them the title of Reformed Kathis. Subsequently their Chief was given the status of a chief of the third class by the British Government. The Chiefs were known as DARBAR SAHEB. The State was 35 sq miles.
Banswara
It was situated in the extreme south of Rajputana with an area of 1946 sq miles, its population was about 250000 of which two thirds were BHILS who formerly used to live on robbery and cattle lifting but settled down as peaceful agriculturists. BANSWARA, due to its ranges of hills with several high peaks (1700 feet to 1988 feet) was regarded as the most beautiful portion of Rajputana and was seen at its best after rains.
Rawal Udai Singhji who succeeded to the gadi in 1509 had joined the forces of his kinsman Maharana Sanga of Mewar to oppose the advance of BABAR and was killed in the Battle of Khanwa in 1527. Since then there had been 22 rulers of the State. BANSWARA had also suffered at the hands of the Mahrattas and the Pandaries (robbers and thieves) and in 1818 signed a treaty with the British Government. The State had many relics like the temple of Arthuna, Kalinjara and those at the capital.
Faridkot
This was one of the Sikh State in the Punjab. It was practically surrounded by the district of Feroze Pore. Its area was 643 sq miles with a population of about two lacs, half were Muslims. The ruling family was founded during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the 17th century by Sardar BHALLAN Chaudhri Kapura, eleventh in descent, built the town of Kot Kapura and made it his capital. His grandson Sardar Hamir Sigh established his capital at Faridkot.
The State ruler, during the Sikh war of 1846 had sided with the British and assisted them by supplying almost all means of transport and provisions for the army fighting against the Sikh empire. For his services the title of Raja was conferred upon him and a further reward of a grant of territory was given. Ruler Raja Wazir Singh faithfully followed the traditions of his House and sided with the British in the Second Sikh War. During the Mutiny (the War of Independence) of 1857 he sided with the British in guarding the river Sutlej ferries against the passage of rebel troops (freedom fighters). With a squadron of his cavalry and two guns, he personally attacked a notorious rebel Sham Das and destroyed his stronghold. The title of Brar Bans Raja Sahib Bahadur was bestowed upon him and he was accorded a salute of 11 guns. During the Second Afghan War the ruler furnished a force of 250 horse and foot soldiers and as a reward for his loyalty he was honoured by the British Government with the hereditary title of FARZAND-I-SAADAT-I-NISHAN, HAZRAT-I-KAISAR-I-HIND BARA BANS. The ruler of the State erected a clock tower as a memorial to Her Majesty the late Queen Empress VICTORIA. During the First World War the State provided a company of sappers and miners, camels, horses and recruits for military service. For the valuable help rendered during the War the ruler was bestowed with the title of MAHARAJA and honourary rank of Major.
During 1936-38 I was a student of Islamic School, Ferozepur city, our head master (name not remembered), a Muslim was from FARIDKOT and it was known that he was the first graduate of FARIDKOT State but was unable to find a job and perforce migrated to Feroze Pore.
Kagal
Was small in extent with an area of 18 sq miles and the population about 6500. The Chief was DATTA JIRO alias BALASHEB GHATGE. The Jahagir of the KAGAL Paragana was originally received from the last King of BIJAPUR and was confirmed to the GHATGE family by the Emperor of Delhi. The founder of the Maratha Rajya granted in 1668 a sanad of the KAGAL Jahagir, where in PIRAJIRAO was styled as Vazir, Jahagirdar and Fouzdar of the KAGAL Pargana. The Chief’s family was related to the royal family KOLHAPUR and HOLKAR. The chief remained loyal to the British Government.
Palasni
The State was situated four miles from the railway station of NASWADI. The State had thirteen villages and its area was 12 sq miles with a population of about 3000. Perhaps it was the smallest State. The Thakores of this State belonged to the Parmar Rajput clan descended from world famed Raja VIKRAN and BHOJ. During the Great Mutiny (War of Independence) in 1857 when the country was raided by the notorious outlaw TANTYA TOPY (a great freedom fighter), he was made to retire by the Thakore in company with other Thakores. H.H. the GAEKWAR bestowed upon the Thakore of PALASNI a special mark of honour by granting DANKA, NOBAT and NISHAN.
Palanpur
The ruler was a Yousufzai of Lohani stock. The area was 1768 sq miles with a population of over 300000. The Rajputana-Malwa railway passed through the limits of the State. It was bounded on the east by Sirohi and on the north by the States of Marwar and on the west by Banta Kantha Agency.
The reigning family was of Afghan origin and first settled in Bihar in the 12th century. In about 1370 Malek Khuram Khan, the leader of the family accompanied by followers left Bihar. Khuram Khan took service under Visaldev Chuhan the ruler of Jhalore. Visaldev was assassinated by a prince of Rathor. At that time Khuram Khan was the deputy Governor of Jhalore and he immediately installed the Dowager Princess POPANBAI on the gadi. But some people who were jealous of Khuram besieged the palace and the Princess deserted by her supporters managed to escape. The vacant gadi then passed into the hands of Khuram Khan who established his sovereignty without any opposition. His grandson enlarged his chiefdom and was recognized by the Gujrat Emperor as the ruler of Jhalore.
The connection of the State with the British Government began in 1809. The assassination of Dewan Phiroj Khan, 25th ruler by a faction of Sindhi Jamadars who restored Shamsher Khan to the rulership called for the help of the British and Gaekwar governments whose allied forced marched upon Palanpur and Fateh Khan was installed as the ruler. During the 2nd Afghan War the ruler supplied the British Government with 200 loaded camels and 400 ponies. For his loyalty and services the hereditary title of Nawab was conferred on the ruler in 1910. The ruler (HH ZUBDAT-MULK DEWAN MAHA KHAN, NAWAB TALEY MOHAMMED KHAN BAHADUR KCIE KCVVO) had the privilege of being ADC to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales during his visit to India in 1922. The salute of the State was raised to 13 guns in 1921.
Bundi
Was situated in the south-east of Rajputana, with an area of 2220 sq miles. The territory was traversed throughout it whole length from south-west to north-east by a double line of hills. The highest peak of the range, 1793 feet above the sea was at SATUR, then miles west of BUNDI. The jungles of BUNDI were in the old days famous for their big game. According to a historian MAHARAO BISHAN SINGH who died in 1921 had slain upwards of 100 lions with his own hand besides many tigers and innumerable boars had become victims to his lance. Today there are no lions but tigers and black bears can still be found in some parts while leopards are numerous.
BUNDI was considered one of the more picturesque towns in Rajputana and was situated in a gorge nearly surrounded by wooded hills. According to a historian, throughout Rajputana, which boasted of many fine palaces, that of BUNDI “is allowed to possess the first rank for which it is indebted to situation, for it is an aggregate of palaces each having the name of its founded”. Above the palace was the fort of TARAGARH commanding the entire area and a spur of the same hill was surrounded by a large and handsome Chhatri called the Suraj or sun-dome whose cupola was resting on sixteen pillars and was about 20 feet in diameter. Beyond that to the north west was the Phul Sagar or flower tank and a small palace that was the summer residence of the Chief. On the east of the town rose an abrupt cliff, 1426 feet above the sea and on its summit was a small mosque said to have been built before the Hara Rajputs came to BUNDI and called MIRAN after a Muslim Saint whose tomb is situated at AJMER.
In the annals of Rajputana romance had a special place and Bundi occupied a place of extraordinary interest and presented a perfect and deeply interesting picture of the gallantry, generosity and fidelity of Hara Rajputs who played a prominent part not only in the history of Rajputana but of the British Empire as well. They had also served the Mughals with distinction and earned rewards and honours. Bundi had silently advance to comparative prosperity. The Chief was the head of the Hara Sept of the great clan of Chauhan Rajputs and the country occupied by this sept had for the last five to six centuries been known as Haraati. After ruling Amber and Jodhpur, about the start of the 9th century and ruling there and at Ajmer gained the Kingdom of Delhi. Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated in the battle of TARAWARI – 1992-93.
The Muslim ruler of Malwa who had besieged Bundi and took Bundi in 1457 carrying off the youngest son of the Rao, who was brought up as a Muslim and sent to rule Bundi under the name of Samarkand. But he was expelled after some years rule by Rao Narayen and ruled for 32 years. His son Surajmull was a very strong man and he possessed long arms reaching far below his knees. For the possession of the castle of Rinthumlor the ruler of Brunei was awarded honours by Emperor Akbar and the title of Rao Raja. An expedition against Gondwana was sent by Akbar under the ruler of Bundi and the Emperor was pleased to add seven districts to his State. All the subsequent rulers served Emperor Jehangir and Emperor Shah Jahan. Subsequent history was full of brave actions in the service of Emperor Aurangzeb.
In 1818 the State was taken under British protection because Mahrattas and Pindaris had constantly ravaged the State. The British were able to recover the lands and the tribute from Holkar. Ram Singh had ruled for 68 years as a popular ruler. Like other states Bundi had also provided help to the British during the Great War.
Princely States, etc of Pakistan
The princely States of Pakistan have not been mentioned because most of us know their location, names of rulers and important events. However the names as being listed below:
1. Kalat 8. Dir
2. Kharan 9. Phulra
3. Lasbela 10. Swat
4. Makran 11. Hunza
5. Azad Kashmir 12. Nagar
6. Amli 13. Khairpur
7. Chitral 14. Bahawalpur
Conclusion
Out of 562 Indian States and principalities only a few dozen have been mentioned here. Some were of large size (Hyderabad with 82698 sq miles was the largest), some medium size and some of small size (PALASNI with 12 sq miles and 13 villages was the smallest), but all were meticulously loyal to the British Crown. Their defence and currency was controlled by the British Government and they were not allowed to establish contact with foreign countries. The State rulers enjoyed full criminal and civil powers.
The States had their own police service, postal service and public works departments. They were allowed to keep troops according to the size sanctioned by the British Government. Mostly the troops were employed on ceremonial events but during war/battles they fought under the British command. The State rulers donated large sums for the war fund and provided horses, camels, supplies and recruits to the British Government. All the States, according to their resources and situation rendered help to the British Government during the Great Mutiny (the war of independence) and saved many lives of British women and soldiers. In return the rulers of the States were lavishly awarded high class British honours and decorations, and some even had been granted large size tracts for increasing the area of the States.
The British Government had appointed a resident or a political officer to watch the interest of the government and also guide the rulers in the running of administration. In some States, the British troops were stationed whose maintenance was the responsibility of the concerned State. No political party was allowed to communicate with the rulers and the people. Politics in the states was considered a forbidden fruit. As such the spirit of patriotism had been buried under the sway of the British power.
Majority of the rulers were non-Muslim and all had fought ferocious battles against the Muslim Kings and invaders. Some famous battles have been highlighted in the history of the concerned States.
The minor age princes were educated in the British controlled Chief Colleges and institutes and some were even sent to England for studies. Young princes were encouraged to join the armed forces and some were granted King’s Commission and honourary ranks.
Most of the marriages of the princes were arranged with the daughters of other rulers and eminent state personalities. Some rulers had even three wives at a time.
The State rulers had their own revenue but some were paid handsome allowances by the British to augment their deficit revenue due to drought and famine. No State paid tribute in cash to the British Government. Some States were partners in the railway system because many railway tracks were laid for the trains to pass through their territories.
The personal character of rulers has not been mentioned. There had been romantic stories and rivalry among the rulers, debauchery, scandals with dancing girls, revengeful and amusing incidents. For the safety of their regime, wealth and hegemonic aspiration the State rulers had accepted the British as their saviour with their umbrella of guns and arms.
Bibliography
Ruling and Chiefs of India – by Sir Walter Lawrence
History of India – Mount Stuart and Cowell
Studies of Indo Muslim History – Elliot and Dowson
The Muslim Rule in India – Ishwari Prasad
Cambridge History of India – Wolsely Haig
History of Marhattas – Duff Grant
History of India – Mount Stuart and Elphinstine
Ahmad Shah Abdali – Ganda Singh
Punjab under the Sultans – Bakhshish Singh Nijjar
History of India – Sethi and Allen
History of India as told by its own historians – Elliot and Dowson
